Abstract Truth - Silver Trees (Reissue) (1970/2009)

SILVER TREES was South African band Abstract Truth's second LP. It is much stronger than their debut TOTUM, released earlier the same year (1970). TOTUM consisted of cover songs approached in the psychedelic folk vein; SILVER TREES features original compositions and rocks out a lot more. The band has not entirely shed its folk skin, but here they clearly stretch out their creative muscles and crank up the energy without loosing their knack for thought-out arrangements and their psychedelic leanings (feedbacks, backward effects, abrupt climactic endings). From the folk-tinged opener "Pollution" to the acid rock closer "It's Alright With Me," SILVER TREES covers a lot of ground, and does so convincingly. Worth a special mention are the songs "Original Man" (a poignant theological reflection), "Blue Wednesday Speaks" (with its contrasting verse and chorus), and the exploratory eight-minute title track. Saxophonist/flutist Sean Bergin shines throughout, nuancing the group's music as compentently as Ian MacDonald was doing for King Crimson's around the same time. SILVER TREES has strong songwriting, enjoyable musicianship, pleasing lead vocals, and a spark of creativity.